Hanger system, method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A hanging system is disclosed. The hanging system is especially adapted to couple with travel bags of various sizes for holding garments and accessories in place when traveling or commuting. A second embodiment includes a hangar accessory which allows the hanging system to be mounted from a standard hanging rod.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a system, method andapparatus for hanging clothing, as well as umbrellas and other garmentsand accessories. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to aflexible hangar apparatus and system for hanging clothing, garments, andaccessories wherein the apparatus and system can be mounted to handbags, messenger bags, and other travel bags, as well as methods for usethereof.

BACKGROUND

Conventional clothing hangars typically comprise a rigid structurehaving a hook for attachment to a hanging rod. The rigid structuregenerally comprises a pair of downward angled upper members extending inopposite directions from base of the hook. In addition, many hangarshave an additional transverse lower member extending between the uppermembers. The rigid structure and hook may be formed of a single wire orpiece of molded plastic, or the rigid structure may be formed of plasticor wood with the hook mounted thereto.

Generally, the shoulders of a garment, such as a shirt or jacket, can bedraped over the upper members of the hangar to maintain the garment inan upright orientation without wrinkling or creasing the garment. Whenthe lower transverse element is present, additional garments, such aspants or trousers may be draped over the lower transverse element tosimilarly reduce the risk of wrinkling or creasing the garment.

However, typical hangars are inconvenient for use by travelers orcommuters. In particular, travelers and commuters generally must usegarment bags to maintain clothing in wrinkle free condition whiletraveling. However, space is at a premium when traveling or commuting,and carrying an additional garment bag is both inconvenient andpotentially costly. Accordingly, a need exists for an apparatus andsystem for hanging garments and accessories that can be easily used witha handbag, messenger bag, or other small travel bag.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSED SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS

Accordingly, it is an object of this disclosure to provide a system andapparatus for hanging garments and accessories that can be attached to ahandbag, messenger bag, or other small travel bag.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a flexible system andapparatus for hanging garments and accessories that can be easilytransferred from a travel bag to a hanging rod.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide a method for the use ofthe flexible system and apparatus disclosed herein.

Other advantages of this disclosure will be clear to a person ofordinary skill in the art. It should be understood, however, that asystem or method could practice the disclosure while not achieving allof the enumerated advantages, and that the protected disclosure isdefined by the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A hanging apparatus and system for use by travelers and commuters isdisclosed. In a first embodiment, the hanging system comprises atransverse element on which trousers, pants and slacks can be draped.The transverse element is coupled to a right clasping strap by a firstright mounting ring. The right clasping strap is also coupled to a rightspring loaded hook by a second right mounting ring. The transverseelement is also coupled to a left clasping strap by a first leftmounting ring. The left clasping strap is also coupled to a left springloaded hook by a second left mounting ring.

The hanging system further comprises a left and right mounting tab, eachintegrally formed to the transverse element. The mounting tabs can beused to hold a clothing strap in place using a pair of eyelets; one oneach end of the clothing strap.

In an additional embodiment the hanger system further comprises ahanging accessory, that includes right and left angular elements. Theangular elements each include an additional mounting ring adapted tocouple with the corresponding spring loaded hooks. In addition, a hookis disposed between the angular elements, so that the hanging system canbe hung from a standard clothing rod.

It should be noted that in an additional embodiment of the disclosurethe right and left clasping straps can be adjustable, so that a varietyof bags can be accommodated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this disclosure will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and themanner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood byreferring to the following description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the flexible hangar system and apparatusdisclosed herein;

FIG. 2 depicts the disclosed flexible hangar system and apparatusholding garments and accessories while attached to a travel bag;

FIG. 3 depicts a close up view of a strap and hook mounting mechanismfor use with the flexible hangar system and apparatus disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a close up view of a strap mounting mechanism for usewith the flexible hangar system and apparatus disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 depicts an additional embodiment of the flexible hangar systemand apparatus disclosed herein including a clothing rod hangingmechanism;

FIG. 6 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 5 holding garments and accessorieswhile hanging from a hanging rod; and

FIG. 7 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 5 with a mounting mechanismcoupled to the transverse element that could be used to, for example,hang an umbrella or other accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning to the Figures and to FIG. 1 in particular, an embodiment of thedisclosed flexible hangar system and apparatus is illustrated. Asillustrated, the flexible hangar system and apparatus comprises left andright clasping straps 102 a, 102 b. The clasping straps 102 a,102 b canbe made of, for example, ballistic nylon, although another material,such as vinyl, bamboo, or various metals, could be used. Each claspingstrap 102 a,b comprises a spring loaded hook 104 a,b, which allows theclasping strap 102 to be connected to a travel bag as discussed herein.Each clasping strap 102 a,b further comprises a mounting ring 106 a,b,which mounts the spring loaded hook 104 a,b to a strap 108 a,b. Themounting rings 106 a,b could be made of any reasonable material, such asaluminum, stainless steel, plastic, etc. While the clasping straps 102a,b are drawn as being coupled to mounting rights using spring loadedhooks 104 a,b, a variety of other mechanisms could be used, such as, forexample, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, simple ties, etc.

Each strap 108 a,b is mounted to a transverse element 112 by a mountingring 110 a,b. Integrally formed to each end of the transverse element112 is a mounting tab 114 a,b. As discussed herein, the mounting tab 114a,b can hold a clothing strap 116 in place, which can be used to, forexample, hold a pair of trousers or pants in place. As depicted theclothing strap includes a right eyelet 117 b and a left eyelet 117 a.The left and right clasping straps 102 a,102 b can be adjustable toaccommodate a variety of bags. The surface of the transverse element 112can also be covered with a non-slip surface such as, for example, mattedrubber.

Turning to FIG. 2, the hanging apparatus and system 100 of the presentdisclosure is illustrated. In particular, the hanging apparatus 100 isdepicted with a jacket draped over the clasping straps 102 a,b, and apair of slacks draped over the transverse element 112. The clothingstrap 116 holds the slacks and jacket in place, and supports them in asubstantially wrinkle and crease free state.

Turning to FIG. 3, a close up view of the strap and hook mountingmechanism utilized by the present disclosure is depicted. As depictedthe strap and hook mounting mechanism comprises a spring loaded hook104, which is adapted to couple to various mounting rings on travel bags(not shown). The spring loaded hook 104 is coupled to a mounting ring106. As shown, the spring loaded hook 104 is depicted as coupled to themounted tab 106 using a swivel screw 105. The mounting ring 106 iscoupled to a strap 108. As depicted, the strap 108 is shown as made fromballistic nylon. However, this is strictly for demonstrative purposes,rather than for purposes of limitation.

Turning to FIG. 4, a close up view of the strap 108 as coupled to thetransverse element 112 is depicted. In particular, the transverseelement 112 is coupled to the strap 108 using a mounting ring 110. Alsodepicted is a mounting tab 114, which as discussed herein, is used tohold a clothing strap 116 in place.

Turning to FIG. 5, a second embodiment of the disclosed hangingembodiment and system is disclosed. This embodiment includes the entireembodiment of FIG. 1. In particular, as illustrated, the flexible hangarsystem and apparatus comprises left and right clasping straps 102 a, 102b. Each clasping strap 102 a,b comprises a spring loaded hook 104 a,b,which is adapted to couple with the hanging accessory 118 as discussedbelow. Each clasping strap 102 a,b further comprises a mounting ring 106a,b, which mounts the spring loaded hook 104 a,b to a strap 108 a,b.Each strap 108 a,b is mounted to a transverse element 112 by a mountingring 110 a,b. Integrally formed to each end of the transverse element112 is a mounting tab 114 a,b. As discussed herein, the mounting ring114 a,b can hold a clothing strap 116 in place, which can be used to,for example, hold a pair of trousers or pants in place.

The hanging accessory 118 comprises a right angular element 122 a and aleft angular element 122 b. Both of the angular elements 122 a,b arecoupled to mounting rings 120 a,b. The mounting rings are adapted tocouple with the spring loaded hooks 104 a,b. In addition, a hanging hook124 is coupled to the angular elements. The hanging hook 124 allows theflexible hangar apparatus and system to be hung from a hanging rod asdepicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 depicts the second embodiment of the flexible hangar apparatusand system hanging from a hanging rod, as is typically present in, forexample, a hotel room, airport lounge, train lounge, or other traveldestination. The flexible hangar apparatus and system is also depictedwith a jacket draped over the angular elements 122 a,b, a pair of slacksdraped over the transverse element 112, with the clothing strap 116holding the slacks in place, and an umbrella also hanging from one ofthe mounting tabs 114 b.

FIG. 7 depicts an additional refinement of the hanging system. Thisembodiment is identical to that of FIGS. 5 and 6, but includes a pair ofstraps coupled to the transverse element that can be used by users to,for example, hang an umbrella or other accessory.

The foregoing description of the disclosure has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Thedescription was selected to best explain the principles of the presentteachings and practical application of these principles to enable othersskilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure in various embodimentsand various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure not belimited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set forthbelow. In addition, although narrow claims may be presented below, itshould be recognized that the scope of this invention is much broaderthan presented by the claim(s). It is intended that broader claims willbe submitted in one or more applications that claim the benefit ofpriority from this application. Insofar as the description above and theaccompanying drawings disclose additional subject matter that is notwithin the scope of the claim or claims below, the additional inventionsare not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or moreapplications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.

1: A hanging system comprising: a) a transverse element; b) a rightclasping strap coupled to the transverse element; c) a left claspingstrap coupled to the transverse element; d) a right spring loaded hookcoupled to the right clasping strap, the right spring loaded hookadapted to couple to a first external mounting ring on a travel bag; ande) a left spring loaded hook coupled to the left clasping strap, theleft spring loaded hook adapted to couple to a second external mountingring on the travel bag; and wherein the right spring loaded hook and theleft spring loaded hook comprise: a stationary member comprising: i) abottom stationary member end, ii) an arcuate stationary member armextending outwardly along a first stationary member side to a topstationary member end, the arcuate stationary member arm closing thefirst stationary member side, iii) a stationary member opening along asecond stationary member side located between the top stationary memberend and the bottom stationary member end of the arcuate stationarymember arm, iv) a hinged joint located at the bottom stationary memberend of the stationary member, and v) a repositionable member pivotallyconnected to the stationary member at the hinged joint and extendingoutwardly to the top stationary member end of the arcuate stationarymember arm to selectively close the stationary member opening in aresting position. 2: The hanging system of claim 1: wherein the rightclasping strap is coupled to the transverse element by a first rightmounting ring; and wherein the left clasping strap is coupled to thetransverse element by a first left mounting ring. 3: The hanging systemof claim 2: wherein the right clasping strap is coupled to the rightspring loaded hook by a second right mounting ring; wherein the leftclasping strap is coupled to the left spring loaded hook by a secondleft mounting ring; wherein the repositionable member of the rightspring loaded hook is rotatable about the hinged joint of the rightspring loaded hook inwardly to allow passage of the second rightmounting ring; wherein the repositionable member of the right springloaded hook returns to the resting position and closes the opening;wherein the repositionable member of the left spring loaded hook isrotatable about the hinged joint of the left spring loaded hook inwardlyto allow passage of the second left mounting ring; and wherein therepositionable member of the left spring loaded hook returns to theresting position and closes the opening. 4: The hanging system of claim1, further comprising: a right mounting tab integrally formed to thetransverse element; and a left mounting tab integrally formed to thetransverse element. 5: The hanging system of claim 4, furthercomprising: a clothing strap comprising: a right eyelet adapted tocouple to the right mounting tab, and a left eyelet adapted to couple tothe left mounting tab. 6: The hanging system of claim 1 furthercomprising a hanging accessory comprising: i) a right angular element;ii) a right hanging mounting ring coupled to the right angular element;and adapted to couple to the right spring loaded hook; iii) a leftangular element; iv) a left hanging mounting ring coupled to the leftangular element and adapted to couple to the left spring loaded hook;and v) a hook coupled to the right angular element and the left angularelement. 7: A hanging system comprising: a) a travel bag comprising: i)a first external mounting ring located at a distal first tether end of afirst mounting tether that extends outwardly from the travel bag, andii) a second external mounting ring located at a distal second tetherend of a second mounting tether that extends outwardly from the travelbag; b) a transverse element comprising: i) a right transverse elementend, and ii) a left transverse element end distal to the righttransverse element end, wherein the transverse element terminates at theright transverse element end and the left transverse element end; c) aright clasping strap coupled to the transverse element near the righttransverse element end; d) a left clasping strap coupled to thetransverse element near the left transverse element end; e) a rightmounting mechanism coupled to the right clasping strap and coupleable tothe first external mounting ring; and f) a left mounting mechanismcoupled to the left clasping strap and coupleable to the second externalmounting ring. 8: The hanging system of claim 7: wherein the rightclasping strap is coupled to the transverse element by a first rightmounting ring, and wherein the left clasping strap is coupled to thetransverse element by a first left mounting ring. 9: The hanging systemof claim 7: wherein the right clasping strap is coupled to the rightmounting mechanism by a second right mounting ring; wherein the leftclasping strap is coupled to the left mounting mechanism by a secondleft mounting ring; wherein the first mounting tether attaches to thetravel bag proximate to a first shoulder strap end of a shoulder strap;and wherein the second mounting tether attaches to the travel bagproximate to a second shoulder strap end of the shoulder strap. 10: Thehanging system of claim 9, further comprising: a right mounting tabintegrally formed to the transverse element; and a left mounting tabintegrally formed to the transverse element. 11: The hanging system ofclaim 10, further comprising: a clothing strap comprising: a righteyelet adapted to couple to the right mounting tab, and a left eyeletadapted to couple to the left mounting tab. 12: The hanging system ofclaim 7, further comprising: a hanging accessory comprising: i) a rightangular element; ii) a right hanging mounting ring coupled to the rightangular element and adapted to couple to the right mounting mechanism;iii) a left angular element; iv) a left hanging mounting ring coupled tothe left angular element and adapted to couple to the left mountingmechanism; and v) a hook coupled to the right angular element and theleft angular element. 13: A hanging system comprising: a) a hangingaccessory comprising: i) a hanging accessory body comprising: 1) anupper hanging accessory element, 2) a right hanging accessory elementextending outwardly in an approximately right direction from the upperhanging accessory element, and 3) a left hanging accessory elementextending outwardly in an approximately left direction from the upperhanging accessory element, ii) a right hanging mounting ring directlyattached to the right hanging accessory element and distal to upperhanging accessory element, iii) a left hanging mounting ring directlyattached to the left hanging accessory element and distal to upperhanging accessory element, and iv) a hanging accessory hook extendingoutwardly in an upward direction from the hanging accessory body; b) atransverse element; c) a right clasping strap coupled to the transverseelement; c) a left clasping strap coupled to the transverse element; d)a right mounting mechanism coupled to the right clasping strap andadapted to couple to a first external mounting ring on a travel bag orthe right hanging mounting ring; and e) a left mounting mechanismcoupled to the left clasping strap and adapted to couple to a secondexternal mounting ring on the travel bag or the left hanging mountingring. 14: The hanging system of claim 13: wherein the right claspingstrap is coupled to the transverse element by a first right mountingring, and wherein the left clasping strap is coupled to the transverseelement by a first left mounting ring. 15: The hanging system of claim13: wherein the right clasping strap is coupled to the right mountingmechanism by a second right mounting ring, and wherein the left claspingstrap is coupled to the left mounting mechanism by a second leftmounting ring. 16: The hanging system of claim 15: wherein the rightclasping strap is selectively supported via the right mounting mechanismby the right hanging mounting ring, and wherein the left clasping strapis selectively supported via the left mounting mechanism by the lefthanging mounting ring. 17: The hanging system of claim 13, furthercomprising: a right mounting tab integrally formed to the transverseelement, and a left mounting tab integrally formed to the transverseelement. 18: The hanging system of claim 17, further comprising: aclothing strap comprising: a right eyelet adapted to couple to the rightmounting tab, and a left eyelet adapted to couple to the left mountingtab. 19: The hanging system of claim 13, wherein the hanging accessoryhook comprises: an arcuate hook portion by which of a hanging accessoryweight of the hanging accessory is supportable. 20: The hanging systemof claim 19: wherein a combined weight of the transverse element and agarment is supportable by the hanging accessory via coupling of theright mounting mechanism with the right hanging mounting ring and theleft mounting mechanism with the left hanging mounting ring.